Turtle Lake (Kus Tba)
A serene recreational lake offering walking paths, paddle boat rentals, and vibrant public concerts, providing a peaceful escape near Tbilisi.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Turtle Lake (Kus Tba)
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene recreational lake offering walking paths, paddle boat rentals, and vibrant public concerts, providing a peaceful escape near Tbilisi.
"A beautiful, serene lake with walking paths and cafes, perfect for a peaceful escape from the city."
🚶♀️ Stroll Around the Lake
Enjoy the scenic path surrounding the lake, perfect for a relaxing walk and spotting ducks and geese. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Cable Car Value
The cable car from Vake Park is a cheap thrill at 2 Lari return, offering great city views. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Serene Lakefront
Around Turtle Lake
A peaceful oasis with walking paths, cafes, and ample seating for relaxation amidst lush greenery.
Paddle Boat Adventures
On Turtle Lake
Rent a paddle boat for a fun-filled time on the water, enjoying the scenic views from a different perspective.
Vake Park Cable Car Ride
Vake Park to Turtle Lake
A scenic and affordable cable car journey offering stunning panoramic views of Tbilisi.
Public Concerts & Festivities
Amphitheater near Turtle Lake
Experience local culture with lively public concerts and festivities, adding a vibrant atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Serenity
Navigating to Turtle Lake
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
[HELP] Hiking from Turtle Lake to Mtatsminda
🚶♀️ Stroll Around the Lake
Enjoy the scenic path surrounding the lake, perfect for a relaxing walk and spotting ducks and geese. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Cable Car Value
The cable car from Vake Park is a cheap thrill at 2 Lari return, offering great city views. :moneywithwings:
Is it safe to trek from Turtle lake to Kojori alone?
Are there any good places in Tbilisi for walking / jogging?
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake, or dine at one of the lakeside cafes. :sandwich:
🐢 No Turtles Found?
Don't be surprised if you don't see actual turtles; the name is more for ambiance. :turtle:
Swimming in Turtle Lake.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll Around the Lake
Enjoy the scenic path surrounding the lake, perfect for a relaxing walk and spotting ducks and geese. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Cable Car Value
The cable car from Vake Park is a cheap thrill at 2 Lari return, offering great city views. :moneywithwings:
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake, or dine at one of the lakeside cafes. :sandwich:
🐢 No Turtles Found?
Don't be surprised if you don't see actual turtles; the name is more for ambiance. :turtle:
🚤 Paddle Boat Pricing
Paddle boats can be a bit pricey at 80 GEL for 30 minutes, so consider if it fits your budget. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Turtle Lake for its scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and accessibility, making it a worthwhile escape from Tbilisi. While some find paddle boat rentals pricey and note the absence of actual turtles, the overall experience is highly recommended for relaxation and enjoying nature.
"This is a beautiful place, worth visiting, with a path surrounded by greenery around the lake. It's a pleasant place to spend time, and there are also cafes with lake views. Here you can rent a water bicycle."
keti gogishvili
"A little out of the way from the city but still a 15 min Bolt ride. A very serene lake where you can sit by the side in total peace or munch on some ice cream or have a whole meal in the restaurants. Walk all around the lake if you please or lie down on the charpoi and chill. Highly recommend if you that extra but if time after you have finished exploring Tbilisi."
Amit Kishore
"Scenic and Relaxing Spot – Worth a Visit
We visited this place three weeks ago and had a great experience. You can reach the top of the hill either by car or cable car. There are only two cable cars, so you might have to wait a while, but the ride is very affordable at just 2 Lari.
Once at the top, the view of the city is stunning! The area around the lake is peaceful, with seating areas to relax and beautiful greenery. There are also ducks by the lake, adding to the natural charm.
We noticed a few restaurants, though we didn’t try them. Many people were there to relax, jog along the mountain roads, and enjoy the fresh air.
During our visit in winter, the lake was frozen, so boat activities were unavailable, but I imagine it would be fun in warmer months.
Overall, it's a nice place to visit with family for a relaxing and scenic outing. Definitely recommended!"
Ayesha Rashid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turtle Lake is easily accessible from Tbilisi. You can take a Bolt or taxi for a quick ride, typically around 15 minutes. Alternatively, for a scenic journey, take the cable car from Vake Park, which costs 2 Lari round trip and offers beautiful city views.
Turtle Lake is a public recreational area. While swimming might have specific regulations or be discouraged at certain times, the surrounding park and paths are open for public enjoyment.
For the most stunning views of Tbilisi on your way to Turtle Lake, the cable car from Vake Park is highly recommended. The ride itself is an experience with panoramic vistas.
Yes, you can drive to Turtle Lake, and there are options to reach the top of the hill by car. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to use public transport or the cable car.
Turtle Lake is located a little outside the immediate city center but is still very accessible. It's considered a short trip, often around a 15-minute Bolt ride from central Tbilisi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Turtle Lake and its surrounding park area is generally free. There are no admission tickets required to walk around the lake or enjoy the green spaces.
The cable car ride from Vake Park to Turtle Lake is very affordable, costing only 2 Lari for a round trip. It's a popular and budget-friendly way to reach the lake.
No, the walking paths around Turtle Lake are free to use. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the greenery without any additional charges.
Turtle Lake is generally accessible throughout the day. While specific venue hours may vary, the park itself is open for visitors to enjoy from morning until evening.
While some public concerts and festivities might be free, it's advisable to check local listings for specific event details. Some special events may have separate ticketing or entry fees.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Turtle Lake, you can enjoy walking paths, rent paddle boats, relax by the lake, dine at lakeside cafes, and attend public concerts or festivities. It's a great spot for a peaceful outing or a lively event.
Swimming in Turtle Lake is generally prohibited. While it might appear to be a suitable swimming area, signs often indicate otherwise, and it's best to adhere to these regulations.
Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants located by the lake, offering views and a place to enjoy ice cream, meals, or drinks.
Turtle Lake is a nice place for a family outing. Kids can enjoy the open spaces, spotting ducks and geese, and the paddle boats offer a fun activity. The cable car ride is also a hit with children.
For ultimate relaxation, find a seating area by the lake, lie down on a charpoi (traditional seating), or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Bringing a picnic is also a great way to unwind.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area around Turtle Lake offers scenic beauty. Capture shots of the lake itself, the surrounding greenery, the cable car in action, and panoramic views of Tbilisi from the top. The ducks and geese also make for charming subjects.
Yes, Turtle Lake can be a beautiful spot for sunset photos, especially when combined with the city skyline. The golden hour light can create a magical atmosphere over the lake and the surrounding landscape.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for capturing the beauty of Turtle Lake. If you're interested in landscape photography, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive views.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at Turtle Lake. You are free to take photos of the scenery and your experience.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and any specific rules posted at Turtle Lake before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While swimming is prohibited, renting a paddle boat can provide some fun on the water, though it's a bit pricey. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy by the lake, or choose one of the lakeside cafes for a casual meal. It's a great spot for a peaceful outing away from the city's hustle and bustle.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on food, pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake. While paddle boats are available, they can be expensive, so you might opt to skip them if you're on a tight budget. Overall, it's a great place to enjoy nature and city views without spending much.
couples
Consider taking the cable car from Vake Park together for a scenic journey and stunning panoramic views of Tbilisi, especially beautiful during sunset. It's an ideal location for a relaxed date, away from the city's noise, where you can simply unwind and enjoy each other's company amidst nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Turtle Lake's Ambiance
Beyond the tranquil setting, Turtle Lake is also known for its public concerts and festivities. These events can transform the area into a lively hub, offering a taste of local culture and entertainment. While the lake itself is a focal point, the journey there can also be an experience. The cable car from Vake Park provides not only an affordable mode of transport but also breathtaking panoramic views of Tbilisi, making the ascent as enjoyable as the destination.
For those seeking active pursuits, paddle boat rentals are available on the lake, offering a fun way to enjoy the water. However, it's worth noting that some visitors find the pricing for these rentals to be on the higher side. Despite this, the overall sentiment is that Turtle Lake is a scenic and relaxing spot, worth visiting for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, especially if you have extra time after exploring Tbilisi's main attractions.
Navigating Turtle Lake: Transport & Access
An alternative, and often more scenic, route is via the cable car from Vake Park. This journey is not only visually appealing, offering expansive views of the city, but also incredibly budget-friendly at just 2 Lari for a round trip. Be aware that during peak times, there might be a wait for the cable cars due to their limited number.
For visitors who prefer to drive, access by car is also possible, with routes leading to the top of the hill where the lake is situated. This provides flexibility for those who have their own vehicle or opt for car rental. Regardless of your chosen method, Turtle Lake is positioned as an accessible retreat from the city.
Understanding Turtle Lake's Regulations
Other activities like using the walking paths and enjoying the park are encouraged and free of charge. For specific events like concerts or festivities, it's always a good idea to check for any associated entry fees or specific guidelines. The paddle boat rentals are available but come with a price tag, which some find a bit steep for the duration offered.
Overall, the regulations are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, maintaining the peaceful ambiance of the lake while allowing for various recreational activities.
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